Freedom Acquires Krieger

The Washington Freedom has completed the acquisition of defender-midfielder Ali Krieger, a member of the U.S. national team player pool who was unable to join the WPS club at the start of the season because of her contract with German team FFC Frankfurt. The Freedom and Frankfurt agreed to a loan deal, but because of German federation complications, she had to move on a transfer. The fee was not disclosed. At the end of the WPS season, she will be transferred back to Frankfurt.

Krieger, who is from Northern Virginia and starred at Penn State, arrived in Washington last night, is scheduled to participate in her first workout tomorrow and, pending U.S. and WPS clearance, is expected to be available for Saturday's match against Chicago at RFK Stadium. The 24-year-old was sidelined with a foot injury this past season but returned to training with Frankfurt last month. She seems likely to start at right back for the Freedom (3-3-3).

Meantime, starting midfielder Lori Lindsey, who missed Sunday's 3-1 loss at first-place Los Angeles with an illness, might not be healthy enough to play this weekend, Coach Jim Gabarra said.

Next question though - is who do they drop to make room for her? I doubt Krieger would take a development spot, so my guess is Zimmeck? Even though Zimmeck is a forward she has seen almost zero playing time (biggest chunk being in the very first match when she got subbed before half time) and she is just too slow. Also Gaberra seems to enjoy using midfielders as forwards instead of Zimmeck.

I am curious to know if Frankfurt got any cash. May Krieger had to do a buyout sort of situation which the Freedom will deduct from her wages (I don't know if that is a FIFA no-no). Or maybe Frankfurt got a bunch of Pumas gear and soccer balls (mirroring the MLS-USL transfer "deals").

Any guesses when is the Freedom-FFC Frankfurt friendly is going to be announced???

There's going to be a freedom v frankfurt match or is that just speculation and wishful thinking?

Posted by: sznyter
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Sorry. That was an very weak attempt at humor. Often when USL clubs allow themselves to be shafted by MLS in player transfers, the joke is that they most often then not get "a bag of soccer balls and a friendly"...